The Bluestocking's Highlander: A Regency Romance (The Bluestocking Club Book 3) by Audrey Harrison

Author:Audrey Harrison [Harrison, Audrey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-31T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 14

London

It was abundantly clear that Mr Mortimer was trying to gain the affection of Alice. Everyone could see it, even Alice, which made meetings with him distinctly uncomfortable.

“Archie, please accompany me,” she pleaded to her brother when needing to visit the publisher.

“I would only be in the way. Take a maid, you do not need me anymore; Mortimer has your best interests at heart,” Archie replied.

“But you being there would make sure it is only inane topics that we speak about. If you do not attend with me, he will start to spout speeches that I really do not wish to hear.”

“I do not understand you sometimes, Alice,” Archie said, shaking his head at his sister. “Anyone else in your position would be delighted with the way your life has turned out, yet you constantly seem unhappy. Surely this cannot still be about that Scot who turned your head?”

“He did not just turn my head! It was far more than that and you know it. I despair of you; there is not a single romantic bone in your body,” Alice cursed her brother.

“You say that as if it is a problem. You are the romantic one in the family, whereas I am more business-minded, hence I managed to negotiate a good deal for you. I did not realise at the time that I was also finding a husband for you.”

“I like Mr Mortimer as my publisher, nothing more.”

Archie became serious. “Alice, you need to think long and hard before you dismiss Mortimer as a husband. I know we are not poor, but we do not have a never-ending supply of money either. The estate is small, and although profitable, it is not bringing in riches. I know you are earning money with your books, but how long will that last? Have you three books in you, six, twenty-six? And will publishers want them all? We both know how fashions change. I promise to support you after our mother and father are gone if you remain unwed, but a husband and marriage would provide a more secure future for you.”

“I feel like a donkey being sold to anyone who will have her,” Alice muttered.

“Not at all, Mortimer is besotted. I would not encourage you to marry someone who I did not think would treat you well,” Archie said. “I know he has your best interests at heart, and if you marry, he will be doubly motivated to make sure you are a success.”

“I do not need to marry anyone. I did not expect to. After all, I am six and twenty and have managed to escape it so far.”

“You sound like a man and not like your usual romantic self.” Archie laughed. “Do not try to convince me that you do not wish to be married. All women want to be wed.”

“To sit around talking, doing needlework and having child after child until you are fit to do nothing? No thank you! I do not find that future at all tempting.

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